Use of dithiobiurets as fungicides

ABSTRACT

Semicarbazides, especially the tetraalkylated thiosemicarbazides, and biuret derivatives, especially the monoand di-thiobiuret derivatives, are effective fungicides, bactericides, herbicides, and also have demonstrated effective growth regulating activity. Exemplary of preferred semicarbazides are those of the general formula:   WHERE R1-R4 can be unsubstituted or substituted C1-C14 alkyl and X can be hydrogen, or unsubstituted or substituted C1-C14 alkyl and Y can be O or S. Exemplary of preferred biuret derivatives are those of the general formula: WHEREIN R5-R11 can be hydrogen or unsubstituted or substituted C1-C14 alkyl and Y can be O or S and combinations thereof; and Q can be R9 or

United States Patent [191 Zielinski June 18, 1974 USE OF DITHIOBIURETS AS FUNGICIDES [75] Inventor: James Zielinski, Kenilworth, NJ.

[73] Assignee: Esso Research and Engineering Company, Linden, NJ.

[22] Filed: Dec. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 100,365

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. Nos. 732,858, May 20, 1968, and Ser. No. 821,975, May 5, 1969, abandoned.

[51] Int. Cl A01n 9/12 [58] Field of Search 424/322; 260/552 R, 553 B [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,658,062 11/1953 Jones 260/132 2,704,244 3/1955 Goodhue et all. 71/99 3,092,484 6/1963 Salzberg 71/99 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Jensen et 211., Altu Chemicu Scandinavich, Vol. 22, (1968), No.1, pp. 1,36 & 37.

Primary ExaminerAlbert T. Meyers Assistant Examiner-Leonard Schenkman [57] ABSTRACT Semicarbazides, especially the tetraalkylated thiosemicarbazides, and biuret derivatives, especially the mon0- and di-thiobiuret derivatives, are effective fungicides, bactericides, herbicides, and also have demonstrated effective growth regulating activity. Exemplary of preferred semicarbazides are those of the general formula:

where R R can be unsubstituted or substituted C -C alkyl and X can be hydrogen, or unsubstituted or substituted C C alkyl and Y can be 0 or S.

Exemplary of preferred biuret derivatives are those the general formula:

9 Claims, No Drawings USE OF DITHIOBIURETS AS FUNGICIDES This application is a continuation-impart of copending application U.S. Ser. No. 732,858 filed on May 20, 1968 in the name of James Zielinski relating to Pesticidal Semicarbazide and Biuret Derivatives and also copending application U.S. Ser. No. 821,975 filed on May 5, 1969, now abandoned in the name of James Zielinski relating to Semicarbazide and Biuret Deriva tives and Their Use as Agricultural Pesticides and Animal Health Agents. This invention relates to the use of tetrasubstituted thiosemicarbazides and substituted biurets as effective fungicides, bactericides, herbicides and also for effective growth regulating activity.

Substituted thiosemicarbazides, or thiocarbamoyl hydrazides as they are also termed, are well known in the literature. For example, the trialkylated species, i.e.,

where R is a lower alkyl group such as methyl or ethyl and R is methyl or l-butyl, is disclosed in British Patent No. 858,995. However, the significance of additional alkylation and the consequent potent fungicidal activity possessed by the tetraalkylated species are not disclosed or suggested by this British patent.

In addition, other thiosemicarbazides are known, as for example, the

(aI'hNIICNHNIh compound shown in Volume 59 of Chem. Abstract, 1328421; or the compounds of the formula:

where R=4-chloro, 2-6-dichloro, 2,4,5-trichloro, 4- methyl, 4methoxy, etc. shown in German Patent No. 1,174,103. Also known are thiosemicarbazides of the formula:

S CH2CH2OH R CI'IZCIIZOII where R is hydrocarbyl.

However, none of the prior art thiosemicarbazides discloses the thiosemicarbazide compounds of this invention or their fungicidal activity.

Relative to the biuret derivatives of this invention, it is to be noted that several substituted dithiobiurets are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,092,484 discloses compounds of the formula:

where R is C, to C alkyl, Z is H, N or C -C alkyl, Y is H or halogen. n is l to 3, and their use as herbicides. Moreover, German Patent No. 859,150 discloses compounds of the formula ll ll RINCIITCNRl.

where R is CH or C H orcycloalkyl such as pentaor tetramethylene, which compounds are known as vulcanizing accelerators. Disclosed, furthermore, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,704,244 are compounds of the general formula:

where R -R can be unsubstituted or substituted C -C alkyl and X can be hydrogen, or unsubstituted or substituted C -C alkyl, and Y can be 0 or S.

Exemplary of preferred biuret derivatives are those of the general formula:

R5 Y R1 NC-N-CN l Ra Q R! wherein R -R can be hydrogen or unsubstituted or substituted C -C alkyl and Y can be 0 or S and combinations thereof; and Q can be R or The semicarbazides and biuret compositions of this invention can be most efficiently prepared by those methods described in a copending application bearing U.S. Ser. No. 87,301, filed on-Nov. 5, 1970.

Preferred semicarbazides illustrative of the foregoing general formula include:

1 l ,4,4-tetramethylsemicarbazides; 1,1 ,2,4,4- pentamethylsemicarbazides; l l -dimethyl-4,4-diethylsemicarbazides; l-pentyll ,4 ,4-trimethylsemicarbazides', etc. Additional semicarbazides include 1,],4- trimethyl-4-allyl semicarbazides; 1,1 ,4,4-tetramethyl- 2-dodecylsemicarbazides; l-cyanoethyl-l ALA-trimethylsemicarbazides; 1 ,2-trimethyl-4,4-di(2- chloroethyl) semicarbazides'; 1,4-dimethyl-l ,4-dibenzylsemicarbazides; 1 ,1,4-trimethyl-2-phenyl-4- propylsemicarbazides', 1 ,1 ,2-trimethyl-4,4-pentamethylenesemicarbazides; l-(4-nitrophenyl l -methyl-3- N-morpholino-urea; etc.

The preferred monothio-, dithio or biuret compounds of this invention illustrative of the foregoing general formula relating to the biuret derivatives include:

l,l-dimethyl-3-diallylamino-5,S-pentamethylene monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret', l,l,5,5-tetramethyl-3- N-thiomorpholino monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; 1,5- dimethyl-l ,5-diethyl-3-N-methyl-4-chloro-anilino-2- thiobiuret; l-( 2-ethoxy'ethyl)- l -methyl-3-dipropargylamino-5,5-pentamethylene monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; l ,l ,5,S-tetramethyl-3-dimethylamino monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; l, 1 ,5,5-tetramethyl-3- pentamethylene-amino monothiobiuret r dithiobiuret; l ,1 ,5,5-tetraethyl-3-dimethylamino monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; l ,l ,5 ,5-tetramethyI-B-diethylamino monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; 1,1-dimethyl-3-dimethylamino-5,5-diethyl monothiobiuret .or dithiobiuret; l l ,5 .5-tetraethyl-3-pentamethyleneamino monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; l ,1 ,5,5-tetraethyl-3- hexamethylamino monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; 1,] 5,5-tetramethyl-3-hexamethyleneamino monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; l,1,5,5-tetramethyl-3-di-npropylamino monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; l,1,5,5- tetraethyl-3-diethylamino dithiobiuret; l ,1 ,5,5- tetramethyl-3-dimethylamino-2-thiobiuret; l-dodecyll,5,5-trimethyl-3-dimethylamino monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; l,l-dimethyl-3-N-methyldodecylamino- 5,5-diethyl monothiobiuret or dithiobiuret; etc.

Suitable pentasubstituted dithiobiurets are as follows: 1 l ,5 ,5-tetramethyl-3-isopropyl dithiobiuret; 1,5-diphenyl-l ,3 ,5trimethyl dithiobiuret; l, l ,3,5- tetraethyl-S-isopropyl dithiobiuret; l,3,5-tributyl-l,5- di(p-chlorophenyl) dithiobiuret; l,l,3,5,5-pentamethyl dithiobiuret; l, l ,5,5-tetrapropyl-3-methyl dithiobiuret.

As previously noted, the semicarbazides, biurets, and monoor dithiobiurets of this invention are useful as pesticides, particularly as fungicides, bactericides. herbicides, and for effective growth regulating activity. When used the biologically active semicarbazides, biurets. and mono or dithiobiurets are preferably formulated with a suitable carrier or diluent or combinations thereof.

ln addition, the several semicarbazides, thiosemicarbazides, biurets, monoand dithiobiurets are useful animal health agents particularly as mammalian and animal fungicides and bactericides (animal pathogens). When used, the biologically active dithiobiurets are preferably formulated with a suitable carrier or diluent or combinations thereof.

The term carrier" or diluent" as used herein means a material, which can be inorganic or organic and synthetic or of natural origin, with which the active semicarbazides and monoor dithiobiurets are mixed or formulated to facilitate its storage, transport, and handling and application of the plants or fungi to be treated. The carrier is preferably biologically and chemically inert and, as used, can be a solid or fluid. When solid carriers are used, they are preferably particulate; however, other shapes and sizes of solid carrier can be employed as well. Such preferable solid carriers can be natural occurring minerals although subsequently subjected to grinding, sieving, purification, and/or other treatments including, for example, gypsum; tripolite diatomaceous earth; mineral siiicates such as mica, vermiculite, talc, and pyrophyllite, clays of the montmorillonite, kaolinite, or attapulgite groups; calcium or magnesium limes, or calcite and dolomite; etc. Carriers produced synthetically, as for example, synthetic hydrated silica oxides and synthetic calcium silicates can also be used, and many proprietary products of this type are available commercially. The carrier can also be an elemental substance such as sulfur or carbon, preferably an activated carbon.

Fluid carriers can be liquids, as for example, water, or an organic fluid, including a liquefied normally va porous or gaseous material, or a vaporous or gaseous material, and can be solvents or nonsolvents for the active material. For example, the horticultural petroleum spray oils boiling in the range of from about 275 to about 575F., or boiling in the range of about 575F. to about lO0OF. and having an unsulfonatable residue of at least about and preferably of at least about 90%, or mixtures of these two types of oil, are particularly suitable liquid carriers.

The carrier can be mixed or formulated with the active material during its manufacture or at any stage subsequently. The carrier can be mixed or formulated with the active material in any proportion depending on the nature of the carrier. One or more carriers, moreover, can be used in combination.

The compositions of this invention can be concentrates, suitable for storage or transport and containing, for example, from about 5 to about 90% by weight of the active thiosemicarbazide and monoor dithiobiuret ingredient, preferably from about 20 to about wt. These concentrates can be diluted with the same or different carrier to a concentration suitable for application. The compositions of this invention may also be dilute compositions suitable for application. In general, concentrations of about 0.1 to about 10% by weight. of active material based on the total weight of the composition are satisfactory, although lower and higher concentrations can be applied if necessary.

The compositions of this invention can also be formulated as dusts. These comprise an intimate admixture of the active thiosemicarbazide and monoor dithiobiuret ingredients and a finely powdered solid carrier such as aforedescribed. The powdered carriers can be oil-treated to improve adhesion to the surface to which they are applied. These dusts can be concentrates, in which case a highly sorptive carrier is preferably used. These require dilution with the same or a different finely powdered carrier, which can be of lower soprtive capacity, to a concentration suitable for application.

The compositions of the invention can be formulated as wettable powders comprising a major proportion of the thioscmicarbazides, biurets, and mono or thiobiurets mixed with a dispersing, i.e., deflocculating or suspending, agent, and if desired, a finely divided solid carrier and/or a wetting agent. The thiosemicarbazides, biurets, and monoor dithiobiurets can be in particulate form or adsorbed on the carrier and preferably constitute at least about more preferably at least about 25%, by weight of the composition. The concentration of the dispersing agent should in general be between about 0.5 and about 5% by weight of the total composition, although larger or smaller amounts can be used if desired.

The dispersing agent used in the composition of this invention can be any substance having definite dispersing, i.e., deflocculating or suspending properties, as distinct from wetting properties, although these substances can also possess wetting properties as well.

The dispersant or dispersing agent used can be pro tective colloids such as gelatin, glue, casein, gums, or a synthetic polymeric material such as polyvinyl alcohol and methyl cellulose. Preferably, however, the dispersants or dispersing agents used are sodium or calcium salts of high molecular weight sulfonic acids, as for example, the sodium or calcium salts of lignin sulfonic acids derived from sulfite cellulose waste liquors. The calcium or sodium salts of condensed aryl sulfonic acid, for example, the products known as Tamol 731, are also suitable.

The wetting agents used can be nonionic type surfactants, as for example, the condensation products of fatty acids containing at least 12, preferably 16 to 20, carbon atoms in the molecule, or abietic acid or naphtenic acid obtained in the refining of petroleum lubricating oil fractions with alkylene oxides such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, or with both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, as for example, the condensation product of oleic acid and ethylene oxide containing about 6 to ethylene oxide units in the molecule. Other nonionic wetting agents like polyalkylene oxide polymers, commercially known as Pluronics can be used. Partial esters of the above acids with polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol, polyglycerol, sorbitol, or mannitol can also be used.

Suitable anionic wetting agents include the alkali metal salts, preferably sodium salts, of sulfuric acid esters o r sulfonic acids containing at least l0 carbon atoms in a molecule, for example, the sodium secondary alkyl sulfates, dialkyl sodium sulfosuccinate available under the registered trademark Teepol". sodium salts of sulfonated castor oil, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate.

The final wettable powder should preferably have an average particle size of 5-10.

Where the toxicant itself is a liquid, these materials I can be sprayed on crops or fungi without further dilution.

Petroleum hydrocarbon fractions used as solvents should preferably have a flash point above 73F., an example of this being a refined aromatic extract of kerosene. Auxiliary solvents such as alcohols, ketones, and polyalkylene glycol ethers and esters can be used in conjunction with these petroleum solvents.

The present invention is further illustrated in greater detail by the following examples, but it is to be understood that the prescnt invention in its broadest aspects, is not necessarily limited in terms of the reactants, or specific temperatures, residence times, separation techniques, and other process conditions; or dosage levels, exposure times, etc., by which the compounds terations have been observed.

I EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 1,l,2,4,4-Pentamethyl Thiosemicarbazide A solution of 11.5 g. (0.09 mole) of dimethylthiocarbamoyl chloride in 50 ml. of tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 13.8 g. (0.18 mole) of trimethylhydrazine in 50 ml. of tetrahydrofuran. The slightly cloudy solution was refluxed for 7 hours and stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture consisted of two layers. The upper (tetrahydrofuran) layer was evaporated in vacuo and the resulting oil was partitioned between H 0 and chloroform. The chloroform layer was dried over MgSO filtered and evaporated in vacuo to yield a clear brown liquid which was vacuum distilled to yield l,l,2,4,4- pentamethyl thiosemicarbazide, bp. 57-67.C. at 0.25 mm.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 1,] ,4,4-Tetramethyl semicarbazide Calculated for C ,H ,N=O:

Elemental Analysis:

Found: C, 45.75; N, 30.74.

To form a biuret from 1 ,1 ,4,4-tetramethyl semicarbazide, l, l ,4,4-tetramethyl semicarbazide could be reacted with dimethylcarbamoyl chloride in the presence of a strong base with acetonitrile as the solvent to give I,l,5,5-tetramethyl-3-dimethylamino biuret in accordance with the following equation:

0 o 0 [I ll Base H H (CH3)2NCNH (CHahNCCl m (CH3)2NCNCN(CH3)2 mom). a NU JM EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of l,l,4,4-Tetramethyl Thiosemicarbazide A solution of l g. (0.6 mmolc) of methyl-MN- dimethyl hydrazino dithiocarbamate in 25 ml. of acetone was combined with an excess of dimethylamine (40% of solution in water) in a pressure bottle. The bottle was sealed and heated on a steam bath for 45 minutes. The reaction was allowed to cool and the condles. m.p. 92-93C. No depression of the melting point was observed when this material was combined with the product described under Method 2.

EXAMPLE Preparation of tents of the bottle were evaporated in vacuo. The re- 5 sulting solid was recrystallized from acetone to yield a g}g ggfi;z; white solid. l.l.4,4-tetramethyl thiosemicarbazides. 1

mp 93C. A solution of 14.7 grams (0.1 mole) of l,l,4,4-

Elemental Analysis:

Calculated for (,H. .N.,5; c. 40.73; H. ass; N, 28.54; 5. 21.78

Found: c.4rn; H.834; 5, 21.64.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of l l ,5 ,5-Tetramethyl 3-Dimethylaminodithiobiuret tetramethyl thiosemicarbazide; 15.2 grams (0.1 mole) of diethylthiocarbamoyl chloride; ll.2 grams (0.1 mole) of triethylenediamine (1,4-diaza bicyclo 2,2,2-

TO 11 Sliffed 5011mm of 135 8- (2-25 mole) of y octane) in 50 ml of acetonitrile was allowed to stir metrical dimethylhydrazine in 400 ml of water was added in portions 92.7 g. (0.75 mole) of solid dimethylthiocarbamoyl chloride. The temperature rose to 32C. and as the addition progressed a yellow solid deposited.

overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was filtered and the acetonitrile solution was cooled to yield 13.6 grams (52%) of the dithiobiuret as pale yellow crystals m.p. l05-106.5C.

Elemental Analysis:

Calculated for C..H,,N.S,:

' Found:

C. 45.7; H, 8.38; N. 2l.37; S. 24.43

C. 45.9; H. 8.20; N, 2l.33'. S. 23.90.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of l 1,5 .5 -Tetramethyl-3-Dimethylamino-2-Thiobiuret A solution of l4.7 grams (0.l mole) 1.1.4.4- tetramethyl thiosemicarbazide. 10.8 grams (0.] mole) of dimethylcarbamoyl chloride and l1.2 grams (0.1 mole) of triethylenediamine (1,4-diaza-bicyclo 2,2,2- octane) in 150 ml of acetonitrile was allowed to stir for Elemental Analysis:

Calculated for C,.H .N S,: C. 40.99; H. 7.74;

Found: C. 40.66; H. 7.58;

The mother liquor was treated as follows which is an example of the preparation of thiosemicarbazides by this method. This is a further example of Method 1.

The aqueous mother liquor resulting from the filtration and washing of the dithiobiuret analog was ex $8 hours. The resulting suspension was filtered and the acetonitrile solution was evaporated. in vacuo to yield a pink liquid which solidified on standing. This material .was recrystallized from ether to yield 9.8 grams of the Z-thiobiuret as tan crystals, m.p. 56-57C.

I Elemental Analysis:

Calculated for C.H .N.OS: C. 44.0; H. 8.25, N. 25.61

Found: C. 44.08; H. 8.59; N, 25.58.

EXAMPLE 7 tracted several times with chloroform. The organic layers were combined. dried (MgSCL), filtered and evaporated in vacuo to yield 28.6 g. of l,l,4.4-tetramethyl thiosemicarbazide as a brown solid. A sample was recrystallized from acetone to yield glistening white nee- Included herebelow in Table l are a number of thiosemicarbazides prepared in accordance with Methods l or 2 of this invention.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 1,1,5 ,5-Tetramethyl-3-lsopropyl Dithiobiuret 1,1-Dimethyl-3-isopropyl thiourea (12.2 g. 0.08 mole), dimethyl thiocarbamoylchloride (10.3 g, 0.08

lagenarium (anthracnose), and Cercospera beticola (leaf spot); and (5) the Schizomycetes fungi, e.g. against such species as the Pseudomonas p/zaseolimla, Staphylococcus aureus, Eschcria coli, and X amhonmnm' mole) and DABCO (9.5 g, 0.08 mole) were combined phased in 200 ml acetonitrile and allowed to stir at room tem- The aforementioned several thiosemicarbazide and perature for 48 hours. The suspension was filtered and monothioand dithiobiuret compounds of this inventhe acetonitrile removed in vacuo to yield a yellow oil tion as well as other such compounds have demonwhich was dissolved in chloroform and washed with 5% l0 strated their anti-fungal activity both as systemic and HC] and water, dried (MgSO filtered and evaporated topically applied material. These compounds have also in vacuo to give a yellow oil. Distillation of the oil gave controlled cultures of several fungi and bacteria on the title compound as a yellow oil 130139 at 0.2 mm. agar plates. The topically (foliar) applied materials The oil solidified and was recrystallized from ethanol, have exerted their control at concentrations of 1000 m.p. 6566.5. ppm and lower, whereas soil systemic activity has been Elemental Analysis:

Calculated for C l*l,,,l l -,S C. 46.31; H, 8.21; N, 18.00; 5, 27.48

Found: c. 46.60; H. 8.35; N, 17.84; S. 27.89.

EXAUWPLE 9 demonstrated at concentrations of 50 lbs. per acre and Other pentasubstituted dithiobiurets prepared according to Example 8 are as follows:

lower. The test formulations actually applied to the plant were prepared in accordance with the following procedure: For example, a suggestive description is as TABLE II Analysis Calculated Found Compound Structure M.P./B.P. pgi c e li C H N (J H N S 75 S S 149-152 8.10.3 min. 92 40. U4 7. 20. 46 31. 23 41. 21 7. 08 20, 26 31. 04

(CllalzNilNilNflDlIalz 77 S S 1158-150 at 0.15 min- 45 50. 53 8. 86 16. 07 24. 53 51. 29 S. 00 16. 34 23. 18

78 S S 99-102 35 53. ST) 6. 41 15. 71 23. 98 53. 91 (3.13 15. T0 23. 26

N N NUZHsh CH3 H3 79 S (iii-66.5 39 46. 31 8. 21 18. 0O 2?. 4a 46. 8. 35 1'7v 84 27.

canzm iubmomn H C CHa EXAMPLE 1O follows:

Aqueous dilutions of the active compounds were prepared by mixing the active ingredients with varying amounts of acetone as an auxiliary solvent, adding thereto ppm by weight a commercial wetting agent consisting of Triton X-l00 and diluting this premixture with at least water to the desired concentration indicated in the following tests. Triton X- 100 is one of a line of commercial surfactants produced by Rohm & Haas Company and is a liquid alkyl aryl polyether alcohol that is an acid stable detergent and is non-ionic in character as an emulsifier. It is prepared by reaction of an alkyl phenol with ethylene oxide.

The tests were carried out as follows:

1. Against Ascomycetes growth or fungus around each spore, this was interi. Against the species Venturia inequalis: preted as 100% control. However, if the growth was A spray solution containing the active fungicide was luxuriant compared to an untreated culture, inhibition applied as a protectant spray and as an eradicant spray in this regard was interpreted as The following re- (24 hours after inoculation with the spores) to apple m were obtained.

seedlings. I

The following results were obtained.

Compound according to Example No. 7. Table l ppm Rating (0-10) l0 0 no control [0 complete control 8 1000 y lo hcxachlorophcne l 000 l 0 Example No. 7. Concentration Protectant Eradicant Table 1 ppm 8 000 m 10 2. Against Phycomycetes i. Against the species Phytophthora infestans (Late 9 Blight) Foliar application cm is Mmmmuanidinc mum The test procedure followed here was the same as described in l )(i), except that the concentration of test ii. Against the species Erysiphe polygoni: QIU QQ ppm; M 1 S 1; The followlng results were obtained. Bean plants with fully expanded primary leaves were inoculated with spores of the powdery mildew fungus (Erysiphe polygoni) prior to application of test chemi- .H W cals. The bean plants were placed on a revolving table .v J, EHIWW. and sprayed with a formulation containing 500 ppm of Compound according to the test chemical. After the spray had dried, the plants Example 7 Table I ppm Rating ((M0) were removed to the greenhouse and held for a period of 7-10 days at the end of which time the amount of mildew on the primary leaves was rated. Ratings were on a scale of 0-10, with O=no control and 10 100% control. Ratings of 8-10 in the primary tests justified taking the chemical to the next step. 8 s00 10 Step 2: 9 500 10 The same test as was followed in Step 1 was repeated for this step except that the minimum effect dose was 10 10 determined in the dilution series of 100, 20, 4 ppm. The H 500 standard for this test was Karathane (2-( l-methyl-nheptyl)-4-6-dinitrophenyl crotonate). Typical values I 500 6 for Karathane: 2 500 10 Maneb (manganese ethylenc- 500 I0 bisdithiocarbamatc) ppm Control Rating )0 I0 5 Average of Several Tests 4 6 TABLE IV Compound According to The following results were obtained: Example Table ppm Raing ((M0) Compound according to i 76 I00 8 E- lN.7 T'bll R" O-lO xampc o a 0 ppm at|ng( 77 100 8 a 500 I0 78 l 00 6 11. Against the species Phyrophlhora mfesrans iii. Against the species Endothia parasitica (Chestnut Systemic Application Blight) The test compound was applied at a rate of 50 lbs. The spores of the Endothia parasitic organism were per acre to soils surrounding tomato plants which were introduced into potato dextrose agar which contained g O mg In three and one-half ll'lCl'l pots. The plants the test chemical at a concentration of 1,000 ppm. The were 4 weeks Old. They were allowed to stand for 3 results were read as a function of the zone of inhibition days n the greenhouse and then inoculated with spores around the growing spores. Thus, if there was no of Phytophthora infeslans. The number of spots observed were related to those observed in a control plant i.e. a tomato plant and the percent control was based on the growth on the test plant compared with the growth on the standard orcontrol plant.

The following results were obtained.

Compound according to Example No. 7. Table l lbs/Acre Rating (-10) was rated on a scale of 0-10, with 0=no control, and.

l0=complete control. Compounds having an 8-10 rating were passed to secondary testing.

The following results were obtained:

Compound according to Example No. 7, Table l ppm Rating (0-10) ii. Bean rust Systemic application Step 1:

Pinto bean plants were inoculated 24 hours prior to use as above, and the soil in the pot was treated with 20 ml of a formulation of a test chemical at 500 ppm. The plants were removed to the greenhouse and held for a period of 7-10 days at the end of which time the amount of rust was rated on the same scale as above. Compounds giving 8-10 ratings were passed on to the next step.

Step 2:

The same test as above was performed except that the minimum effective dose was determined in a dilution series of 100, 20 and 4 ppm. Plantvax was used as the commercial standard in this test. Plantvax is 2,3- dihydro-5-carboxanilido-6-methyl-l ,4-oxathiindioxide.

The following results were obtained:

Compound according to Example No. 7. Table l I ppm Rating (0-10) Tomato plants that were 4-5 weeks old were placed on a revolving turntable and sprayed with a formulation containing 1000 ppm of the test chemical. As soon as the spray deposit had dried. the plants were inoculated with a spore suspension of the early blight fungus (A1- lernaria solani) and placed in an incubation chamber for 24 hours, after which they were removed and held until lesions had developed. Visual ratings of control (O-lO) were then made, and those compounds giving or better control were passed to secondary testing.

Step 2:

The same test as was conducted in Step 1 was conducted in this step except that the concentration of the test chemical was lowered in the dilution series of 100. 20, and 4 ppm. Maneb (manganese ethylenebisdithiocarbamate) was used as a standard in this test. A typical Maneb dilution series gave the following results.

ppm Z Control 500 too The following results were obtained for the test chemical.

Compound according to Example No. 7, Table 1 ppm 71 Control ii. Systemic application of Alternaria solam' The test compound was applied at a rate of 50 lbs. per acre to soil surrounding tomato plants which were growing in three and one-half inch pots. The plants were 4 weeks old. They were allowed to stand for 3 days in a greenhouse and then inoculated with spores of Alternaria solani. The number of spots observed were related to those observed in a standard or control plant and the percent control was based on the growth on the test plant contrasted with that of the standard or control plant.

The following results were obtained:

Compound according to Example No. 7. Table I lbs/acre Control iii. Against species Collerotrichum Iagenarium (Anthracnose) Step 1.

Tomato plants that were 4-5 weeks old were placed on a revolving turntable and sprayed with a formulation containing 1000 ppm of the test chemical. As soon as the spray deposit had dried, the plants were inoculated with a spore suspension of Colletotrichum lagenarium fungus and placed in an incubation chamber for 24 hours, after which they were removed and held until lesions had developed. Visual ratings of control (-10) were then made, and those compounds giving 85% or better control were passed to secondary testing.

Step 2.

The same procedure was followed as in Step 1 except that the concentration of the test chemical was lowered in the dilution series of 100, 20 and 4 ppm. Maneb (manganese ethylenebisdithiocarbamate) was used as the standard in this test and the typical results for the typical Maneb dilution series were as previously described.

The following results were obtained with the test chemicals:

Compound according to Example No. 7. Table l ppm 7: Control iv. Against species Cercospera beticola (leaf spot) The test procedure followed here was the same as that employed in the preceding test above (4) (iii) relating to the fungus Colletotrichum lagenarium.

The following results were obtained:

Compound according to Example No. 7. Table l ppm Control Compound according to 7: Control Example No. 7. Table l ppm (O-IOO) hexachlorophene I000 lOO ii. Against the species Staphylococcus aureus The same test procedure was employed as was employed in the previous procedure of Pseudomonas phaseolicola ()(i).

The following results were obtained:

Compound according to Example No. 7. Table l ppm Z Control hexachlorophcne I000 I00 iii. Against species Escheria coli The same procedure was followed as in (5)(i) and (ii) above.

The following results were obtained:

Compound according to Example No. 7. Table l ppm '7: Control 8 I000 lOO hcxachlorophcne l000 [00 Compound according to Example No. 7, Table l ppm Control hexaehlorophene I000 l 00 A representative tabulation of bacteria and fungi controlled by the compounds of the present invention are shown below in Tables V and VI.

TABLE V Fungal and Bacterial Diseases of Plants Fungi Alternaria solani Phytophthora infestans Colletotrichum langenarium Erysiphc polygoni Erysiphe eichoracearum Erysiphe ciehoracearum Peronospora parisitica Brcmia lactucae Pseudoperonospora cubensis Uromyccs phaseoli Vcnturia inaequalis Cercospora bcticola Coccomyccs hiemalis Botrytis cinerea Monilinia fructicola Monilinia laxa- Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Selerotium rolfsii Gilbertclla persicaria Alternaria tenuis Cladosporium spp. Fusarium oxysporum Rhizoctonia solani Aspergillus nigcr Helminthosporium carbonum Pcnicillium expansum Penicillium digitatum Phomopsis cinerascens Ccratocystis fimbriata Diplodia natalcnsis Rhizopus stolonifer Colletotrichum pisi Verticillium albo-atrum Phytophthora capsici Botrytis cinerea Monilinia fructicola Penicillium digitatum Phytophthora citrophora Asperigillis niger Rhizopus stolonifer Glocosporium musarum Thielaviopsis paradoxa Diplodia natalensis Phomopsis citri Altemaria citri Fungal Disease Tomato Early Blight Tomato Late Blight Cucumber Anthracnosc Bean Powdery Mildew Cucumber Powdery Mildew Cantaloupe Powdery Mildew Broccoli Downy Mildew Lettuce Downy Mildew Cucumber Downy Mildew Bean Rust Apple Scab Sugarbeet Leaf Spot Cherry Leaf Spot TABLE V Continued Fungal and Bacterial Diseases of Animals and Man Bacterial I amen-a Disease" Xanthomonas prunii Peach Spot Erwinia amylovora Fircblight Xanthomonas vesicatoria Nectria galligena Tomato bacterial spot TABLE VI Fungal and Bacterial Diseases of Animals and Man Trichophyton interdigitale Microsporum gypseurn Epidermophyton floccosum Candida albicans Aspergillis niger Penicillum expansum Endothia parasitica Animal pathogens:

Staphlococcus aureus E, coli Pseudomonas phaseolicola Xanthomonas phaseoli Bacillus mycoides Bacterial species:

Diplodia natalensis Phomopsis citri Gcntrichum digitatum Fungal species:

The following example illustrates a typical pesticidal composition or formulation of this invention. Parts are by weight.

EXAMPLE 1 l A wettable powder concentrate that is diluted to the desired concentration by dispersing it in water has the following composition.

Parts Active lngredicnt 50 Solid Carrier (cg. Attapulgite) 43 Dispcrsant (Monocalcium Salt of polymeric alkylaryl sulfonic acid) Wetting agent (Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfate (Nckal BA-VS') luui Control of animal pathogens by the compounds of the present invention can be related to certain structure-activity relationships. Not intending to be bound or limited by any theory it is nevertheless believed that in the dithiobiuret series that when the total carbon content of R R R, R, R, R is less than 20, maximum biological activity is obtained. Enhancement of activity is also realized when one of the R groups (R -R is a cycloalkyl moiety such as cyclohexyl. In

addition maximum activity appears to be obtained when there are no NH linkages.

Relative to plant pathogens the same basic rules as above hold. However, selectivity is important in this class and phenyl substituted analogs appear to be less phytotoxic than the corresponding alkyl analogs.

EXAMPLE l2 To illustrate the utility of compounds of the present invention as animal health agents relative to fungi, bacteria, etc. the following compounds were tested with respect to this utility against the animal pathogens responsible for athletes foot, thrush, ringworm, vaginitis, systemic mycoses, etc.

A S S l,l,5,5-tetrametbyl-3'dirnethylll amino dithiobiuret. (CHa)zNCNCN(CH;)2

B S S 1,1,5,5-tetramethyl-3 (N- ll ll methyl aniline) ditliiobiuret. a)2NCI|lC (C a)i N C Ha C S S l,l-dimethyHS-pentamethylene ll i! amino-5,5diethv1 dithio- (CHa)1NCI] ICN(CzHi)i biuret.

l) S S l,l,5,5-tetramethyl-3-N :i methyl-N-(Z-cyanoethyl} (CH3) zNCNC-N (CHO: amino dlthiobltttet.

N C- C H 2 C H 2 C N E S S C2H5 Ll-dimethyl-B-dimet-hylll ll amlno-5-ethyl5-eyclohexyl (CHQMNCIFTCN dlthlobiuret.

, KT N 3) 2 Procedure:

One hundred milligrams of each sample was dissolved in l0 mls. of acetone. One hundred milligrams of griseofulvin (McNeil Laboratories, Inc, McN-R- 7l9, Lt. No. 4745), and one hundred milligrams of phenylmercuric acetate used as controls were also dissolved in 10 mls. of acetone. Malt extract agar was used as the culture medium. Petri plates were prepoured and kept refrigerated until needed. Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophywn inrerdigilale, Penicillium expansum, Epidermophylon flow cosum, and Bacillus mycoides were the organisms used to test the fungicidal activity of the samples. These organisms had been grown in Sabouraud dextrose broth. Sterile cotton swabs were used to streak each plate with the respective fungi.

A specific volume of each sample dissolved in acetone was delivered dropwise to a sterile V2 inch filter paper disc. The acetone was then allowed to evaporate. Identical concentrations of griseofulvin were delivered to the discs in the same manner. After the discs were thoroughly dry they were placed on the plates. Two discs of a specific concentration were placed on a plate along with two discs of an identical concentration of griseofulvin and two discs of an identical concentration of phenylmercuric acetate. The plates were incubated vention and that in all of which embodiments and ex;

amples, variations, such as eg those previously described, can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and purview thereof, the invention being defined by the following claims.

in which R and R are C -C alkyl.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is l,l,5,S-tetramethyl-B-dimethylamino dithiobiuret.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is l,1,5,S-tetraethyl-B-dimethylamino dithiobiuret.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1,1 ,5,5-tetramethyl-3-diethylamino dithiobiuret.

TABLE Vll SUMMARY OF PRIMARY ANIMAL ANTIFUNGAL AND INDUSTRIAL ANTlMlCROBlAL ACTlVlTY Leather and Textile Animal Fungal Pathogens Mildew Paper Mill Slime Trichophyton Microsporum Epidermophyton Candida Aspcrgillus Penicillium Bacillus interdigitalc gypseum floccosum albicans niger expansum mycoides Sample Minimum Inhibitory Concentration in PPM A 20 20 310 40 C 2.5 10 5 2500 20 B 620 620 620 5000 620 D 80 I60 80 5000 160 E 10 5 20 5000 10 Phenylmercuric acetate l Griseofulvin 4 l6 I6 5000 Acetone-medium control growth growth growth growth growth Minimum Inhibitory Concentration in mg. v

A I 5 5 5 C l 5 5 5 5 B 5 5 5 5 l0 D 5 l 5 5 15 E l l 5 5 5 Griseofulvin l0 l0 l5 l5 15 What is claimed is: l. A method for killing fungi which comprises applying to said fungi a fungicidally effective amount of a compound of the formula m S T l 75 1i} i NCNCN l Ra Q, Rs

wherein each of R R R and R independently is C -C alkyl; and wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of C C; alkyl and 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is l,l-dimethyl-3-dimethylamino-5,S-diethyl dithiobiuret.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1,1,5,5-tetramethyl-3-dimethylamino dithiobiuret.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1,1,5,5-tetraethyl-3-dimethylamino dithiobiuret.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1,1,5,5-tetramethyl-3-diethylamino dithiobiuret.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1,1-dimethyl-3-dimethylamino-5,5-diethyl dithiobiuret.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1,1,3,5,5-pentamethyl dithiobiuret.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1,1,5,5-tetra-n-propyl-3-methyl dithiobiuret.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1,1,3-trimethyl-5,5-di-n-propyl dithiobiuret.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1,1,5,5-tetramethyl-3-isopropyl dithiobiuret. 